N Ireland agree NZ friendly

Northern Ireland will play New Zealand in a friendly at Windsor Park in June.

The game in Belfast on June 2 will help both sides prepare for crucial international games that month.

Northern Ireland face Azerbaijan in a World Cup Qualifier on June 10, while their visitors are set to compete in the Confederations Cup, the prelude to next year’s World Cup.

Michael O’Neill, the Northern Ireland manager, confirmed they will prepare for the trip to Azerbaijan with two training camps in Britain before the game against the All Whites, with an overseas training camp to follow.

“I wanted a home game following our first two camps and it will come at a good time for us,” O’Neill told the Irish Football Association’s official website.

“It’s not too close to the Azerbaijan game and it will help to keep the players sharp.

“The players will need a game at that time as some of their seasons will have finished as early as the end of April.

“We will use it sensibly and get as many of the squad on the pitch as possible.”